Anoka County assistance programs.

Everything from grants to help pay heating bills or rent along with free food, gas vouchers, and job training programs are available in Anoka County. Low income families or those in an emergency can apply at a church, charity, or non-profit organization below for financial help for housing, transportation, energy bills, and much more.

Legal assistance to prevent evictions

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance provides free legal advice, consultations and representation to low to moderate income families and individuals. The attorneys will help prevent evictions and the loss of shelter. It will also help people obtain repairs needed to make housing safe and affordable. Call 612-332-1441, or click here to learn more on legal programs.

Assistance programs from Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc.

This non-profit agency offers local residents with access to a wide variety of programs and services. Find a sampling of the programs below. Or call them at (763) 783-4747 to learn more.

Grants for crisis assistance - The community action agency offers a crisis assistance program that provides qualified applicants with cash grants and emergency money. Funds are available for assistance to families and individuals who are in a crisis situation or facing a short term hardship. These grants can be used for paying a wide variety bills and purposes. The money is for non-housing expenses. For example, get help with paying for prescription drugs, medical bills. It does not cover rent.

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) - This program helps low to moderate income residents. It will pay for a portion of their home heating costs.

Money to prevent utility disconnection - The assistance program is known as the Reach Out for Warmth. If you are not eligible for assistance from other funding or assistance programs, then this is the option that is for you. It is a fuel fund that was created to help customers who are facing a crisis or an emergency with paying their home heating bills and who do not meet the requirements for the Energy Assistance program or other government or local programs.

Child care expenses - The action agency will also administer a Child Care Assistance (CCA) program which provides subsidies to help pay for a family’s child care costs. It can be free for some, and others will pay a nominal fee. The expenses are based on a sliding fee program.

Anoka County foreclosure assistance - Several different housing programs are offered to people who are currently in a home, or looking to buy a place. One of the options is the Foreclosure Prevention Program. It will help Anoka County homeowners who are facing default with their mortgage payments, and who may be on the verge of a foreclosure filing. Some of the services they offer include providing information, education, mediation, and foreclosure counseling. Click here to read more on Minnesota foreclosure programs.

Reverse mortgages - This is mainly targeted at seniors who need additional income or money. The Reverse Mortgage Counseling Program is available to people who need cash, including senior citizens who own their homes. As an example, seniors who need more income or additional cash to make ends meet or who need income to complete maintenance on their homes have the ability to learn more about reverse mortgages and other loan products through this program, and apply for a loan.

Weatherization Assistance Program - For information or to apply, call 651-482-8260 as this is know run by CAPRW. This is a free program, and it will help people save on their heating and energy bills. The weatherization program is funded by the state of Minnesota as well as the federal government, and it provides free energy saving improvements to low to moderate income-qualified households of the Energy Assistance program. While anyone of modest needs to apply for help, priority will be provided to the disabled, elderly, and/or high fuel consumption households. As part of the program, an auditor will inspect the applicants home, water heater and furnace to determine if weatherization work is required for the applicants home. This energy saving program will help residents conserve energy, lower their monthly utility costs and heating bills, and in general keep energy costs affordable, and helps to make the home more comfortable and safe as well. Phone 651-482-8260.

Government aid - Staff from ACCAP can offer help and outreach in applying for resources such as SNAP food stamp, disability or grants from ESG for paying a security deposit. There are several different benefits for very low income residents.

Dial (763) 783-4747 to reach the Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc., or read more.

Non-profits for emergency aid in Anoka

Anoka County Site offers the Community Emergency Assistance Program.

Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP), is a food shelf located inside the Anoka County Human Services Building at 1201 89th Ave NE, Suite 130, Blaine, Minnesota 55434. CEAP provides food assistance, as well as resource referrals, to families in need. Please call 763-783-4930 for more information.

The Salvation Army is located in Coon Rapids and can support all of Anoka County. They can help people apply for government and non-profit financial assistance programs, or provide direct resources. A number of social services and case management is offered too.

Some examples of the programs administered include HeatShare. This can help lower income families pay their heating bills when they are facing a shut off. Salvation Army case workers can also help residents apply for food stamps or other federal government child care. Transitional housing, rent assistance, and more homeless prevention services are offered too. Or receive free food from a pantry, including holiday meals. Get additional details on assistance from Anoka Salvation Army.

Christmas assistance - During the fall months, there are agencies focused on assisting children, seniors, single parents, and families that would go without during the holidays. The locations in Anoka may pass out clothing, small toys, or more than likely volunteers will serve a hot meal to the poor or low income. More.

Community Aid is a non-profit that administers a number of social services and assistance programs for the community. Examples of the resources are below. Also call the Anoka County agency at (763) 441-1020 for more details or information.

Holiday and Christmas programs, including gifts, toys, and free holiday dinners, in particular for children.

If you are out of options, limited financial assistance for paying bills, rent, and other critical needs.

Emergency food and groceries for families, children, and seniors in need.

The Community Aid Elk River (CAER) may also have other basic needs such as paper goods and toiletries.

Those with special dietary needs in Anoka County can receive support as well. This can include programs for seniors, including Meals on Wheels and home delivered items.

Support for single parents in the county, ranging from food to information on low income housing.

Human Service Center is the main government social service agency in Anoka County. They offer the very low income and working poor access to several government and public assistance programs. They range from resources such as food stamps to LIHEAP energy bill assistance. Additional resources can address housing needs, provide assistance to senior citizens or the unemployed, and may offer cash grants or general assistance for basic living needs. More information.

Find funds for paying rent in Anoka County and access other housing. There are a combination of non-profits and charities that can advise tenants on services available, ranging from grants to legal aid. Some government agencies can also offer rental assistance in a crisis or help families apply for section 8 vouchers and other support. Click Anoka County rent assistance.

Anoka County Economic Assistance Department may offer financial help. For those residents that have spent 30% of their income on housing costs, the agency may offer government grants for rent or utility/heating bills. The applicant needs an eviction notice or shut off letter from their energy company. They may also offer money to pay for up to one month of a security deposit, or offer loans for rental or mortgage payments.

The county may also offer referrals to food stamp application sites in Anoka County, senior centers or Meals on Wheels, free clothing for work from TANF, Medical Assistance, and holiday/Christmas help as well for very low income families with children. Any money is paid to the vendor(s), and the amount of funds is based on many factors, such as household size. The Department is located at 2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303-5048. Phone 763)422-7200. Read more public assistance in Minnesota.

Catholic Charities (phone (763) 441-6288) may offer referrals to financial aid, a thrift store, and basic needs such as clothing, food, and more.

Anoka County Jewish Family and Children's Service - While most of the aid is for people of that faith, other resources may be offered too. Employment workshops include interview preparation or resume review. Very limited help, or referrals, to energy bill and rent programs may be offered. Several other options are also for income qualified families. More.

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) only supports veterans in Anoka County. The government will issue grants for housing expenses such as rent, utilities or a security deposit for a new apartment. Other non-material assistance will be credit counseling, emergency shelter, and applications to VA benefits. (612) 726-1327

Food pantries

Several food shelves are listed below. Residents have other options available to them as well. Whether it is help in applying for benefits such as SNAP food stamps or free meals for a child, pantries and soup kitchens can provide support. Locate more Anoka County food pantries.

ACBC Foodshelf and Clothing Store - Free emergency food and gently used clothing is available to local residents one time each month. 2615 9th Ave, Anoka, MN, 55303, main phone (763) 422-0046.

Centennial Community Food Shelf - Our Savior's Lutheran Church – This center may be able to offer up to five days of free food, groceries, and related supplies. They run an emergency food shelf. Main number is 763 – 784 -2013.

Anoka County Site and the Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. (CEAP) (see above) also provides free food, meals, etc. The phone number is (763) 783-4930, and additional details are above.

Islamic Center of Minnesota helps people of all backgrounds and religions. (763) 571-5604